Every day we are faced with decisions. There are some streams
where it's just not the thing to do to keep fish, and there are others
that cry for a harvest. I remember fishing in S.D. with Al Campbell on a
stream where we 'shouldn't' keep fish and on another when my
wife was permitted to harvest the limit. It's a judgement call and
shouldn't be made lightly. If we are to be the keepers of our resource,
and who else is better qualified and cares more, then we can't just
be dummies. We have to approach our obligations with the required
intestinal fortitude to carry through. We have to be the
keeper of the resource. Even when it means not taking the 'legal'
limit.
In Europe they had river keepers whose families guarded a river
for decades. In some places they still exist. We don't have that
here. It's just you and me. We not only have to make the correct
personal decision but we have to guide those who don't understand
the game toward the right choices. We have to be river keepers in
our own land. We won't be paid but the river will flourish or fail
due to our efforts or the lack of such. We have to put in place an
ethos that will survive us. Who wants the resource to die with him?
I think we all have a desire deep down to do something to perpetuate
that which we loved.
The right decision can be painful, and usually is, but once it falls
into place all can see the wisdom employed.
We are the best trout managers on the planet and we failed to take
on the commitment. Shame on us.
I'm a pharmacist, and last week I ask my mother's opinion on
an ethical question about a particularly bad doctor who practiced
next to my pharmacy. I was debating whether to fill a prescription
from that doctor or not.
My mother asked me, "Are the prescriptions right?"
I said, "No."
She said, "Then I guess I didn't understand the question."
Shame on me. Maybe we should all listen to our mothers more.
P.S. In the final analysis right is right and wrong is wrong. Even
my 96 year old mother understands that. Why is she so smart?
Do the right thing for your river.
Old Rupe
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